This year, Passover in Israel was celebrated under complex security conditions. Despite this, approximately 1.5 million Israelis took the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, exploring forests and parks managed by Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael – Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) throughout the country. One of the most popular locations was the Re’im Recreation Area, which features the Nova music festival memorial and attracted over 7,000 visitors daily, making it one of KKL-JNF’s top destinations during the holiday.
Many visitors participated in special Passover activities organized by Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund at various sites across the country. These events included hiking and exploring KKL-JNF forests and were conducted in accordance with security guidelines. Festivals, performances, creative workshops, and children's plays attracted large crowds, providing a safe, family-friendly, and meaningful holiday experience outdoors from the north to the south.
Photograph: Rabia Basha, KKL-JNF Photo Archive
Top KKL-JNF destinations during the intermediate days of Passover included:
North: Jordan Park, Switzerland Forest, Mevo Hama Forest, HaTkhelet Park, Goren Park, Adamit Park, Ein Zeitim Recreation Area, Parod Camping Park, and KKL-JNF’s Hula Lake Park.
Central Israel: Nahal HaShofet, Ilanot Arboretum, Ben Shemen Forest, Ayalon Canada Park, Britannia Park, and Sataf.
South: HaMalachim – Shahariya Forest, Yatir Forest, Lahav Forest, Ofakim Park, Sharsheret Forest, and the Re’im Recreation Area, which alone saw over 7,000 daily visitors.
Throughout the holiday week, KKL-JNF hosted dozens of family-friendly events nationwide, most free of charge. Highlights included “A Sweet Forest” at Shoresh Overnight Camping Park, a spring nature celebration in central Israel, and special initiatives designed for people with disabilities. In addition, information and guidance stations were set up in major parks and forests to assist hikers.
Photograph: Rabia Basha, KKL-JNF Photo Archive
Ifat Ovadia-Luski, KKL-JNF Chairwoman, said:
“It’s moving to see how the people of Israel continue to choose nature and connect to their roots. Despite the security challenges, around 1.5 million visitors came to KKL-JNF sites across the country and enjoyed our wide range of activities. The strong turnout reflects the clear need for time in nature during this period and the importance of providing accessible, high-quality experiences in open spaces. At KKL-JNF, we will continue working to preserve and cultivate our forests and parks and ensure they remain accessible to all Israelis.”
KKL-JNF continues to maintain its parks and forests, providing safe, accessible green spaces for family recreation and hiking across Israel. Its work includes maintaining campgrounds, planting trees, developing hiking and cycling trails, and improving accessibility for people with disabilities.